Solar energy project completed at Black Rock Church

Published 5:49 am, Wednesday, June 24, 2015

A 132-kilowatt solar energy array has been installed on the roof of Black Rock Congregational Church.

A 132-kilowatt solar energy array has been installed on the roof of Black Rock Congregational Church.

Photo: Contributed Photo / Contributed Photo

Solar energy project completed at Black Rock Church

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Officials at Black Rock Congregational Church had a bright idea during construction of their new sanctuary, which they say will help save the environment as well as the congregation’s energy costs.

Officials of the church said a 132-kilowatt solar array on the rooftop has been completed, a project they said the Environmental Protection Agency estimates would provide a carbon offset comparable to 89 acres of forest. Over the life of the agreement under which the solar array was built, the electricity produced is enough to power 224 homes or take 342 cars off the road for a year, they said.

A ribbon-cutting for the project is planned at 11 a.m. July 7.

SHR Energy Management of Weston developed the project, and it was financed and built by SunLight General Capital of New York City, according to the church.

The solar array was built at no cost to the church, which will purchase all of the electricity generated by the system under a long-term power purchase agreement, church officials said.

The church’s new sanctuary was completed last year.

“We were delighted with the opportunity to sponsor renewable energy on our new building. It is very much in keeping with the spirit of the church, which seeks to be a good steward of the environment,” Ken Brix, the church executive director, said in a statement.

SunLight General Capital raises and manages funds that invest in solar projects, typically on small-to-midsize commercial or municipal buildings. Check www.sunlightgeneral.com for more information.

SHR Energy Management is a developer of solar projects, with a primary focus on the Northeast. Visit www.shrenergy.com for more details.

Visit www.brcc.org for more information about Black Rock Congregational Church.